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UP researcher discovers two new dung beetle species which don't roll balls or use dung

Over the past two decades, field trips in search of dung beetles have taken University of Pretoria (UP) doctoral student Christian Deschodt across Southern Africa. But it was a well-trodden walk to fetch his kids from school, a mere 1,5km from his home near Hartbeespoort, that saw him stumble upon an entirely new species.

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Meet Hathoronthophagus spinosa and Onthophagus pragtig

In another paper, Deschodt described yet another new species. Onthophagus pragtig most likely only feeds on the innards of dead millipedes. It is one of 20 species that is part of a small group of dung beetles in the genus Onthophagus. All other species in this group are known to prefer feeding on the soft internal organs (or viscera) of dead millipedes.

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Why do dung beetles rock when they don't roll?

Dung beetles likely date back to Africa some 40 million years ago. They then spread across the world, except to Antarctica. Most dung beetles feed on dung. They lay their eggs in dung balls that are buried underground so that their developing larvae have enough food and easy access to it. Their digging helps to nourish and loosen the soil, and improves its water-holding capacity.

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UP researchers involved in discovery of nine trapdoor spider species

Nine new trapdoor spider species have been discovered in the Great Karoo by researchers at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Zoology and Entomology, and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

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A deeper dive into the lives of trapdoor spiders

Trapdoor spiders hide in underground burrows that are covered with a cork-like lid made of soil, silk and plants. Learn more about trapdoor spiders with this infographic.

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Watch a trapdoor spider catch its prey

Watch carefully to see how a trapdoor spider catches its prey through its trapdoor.